Al-Jaghbir: Jordanian factories operate at full capacity despite rising regional tensions
Al-Jaghbir: Continuous communication with the government to overcome emerging challenges
Al-Jaghbir: Jordanian industry is a safety valve for providing the basic needs of citizens
Al-Jaghbir: National production provides sufficient stock and the markets are stable
Khaberni - The president of both the Amman and Jordan Chambers of Industry, engineer Fathi Al-Jaghbir, confirmed that Jordanian factories are operating at full capacity to meet the necessary needs of Jordanian citizens, despite the rapid military developments in the region and ongoing confrontations between regional and international parties. He emphasized that communication is ongoing with the government to resolve any obstacles facing production operations as a result of these events, especially given the slowdown in navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Al-Jaghbir explained that the Jordanian industry has the flexibility and experience to adapt to existing conditions. The Jordanian factories have benefited from previous crises, building a sufficient strategic stock of raw and intermediate materials to ensure several months of uninterrupted operation, despite the slowdown in navigation. He reiterated that the Jordanian industry is once again proving to be a safety valve for supplying goods and basic needs in the toughest conditions, within a strong national industrial base that forms the main cornerstone of the national economy, contributing over 24.3% to the total national economy with a production capacity exceeding 17 billion dinars in more than 1,500 industrial goods from various sectors, reflecting its significant weight in the national economic structure. The national industry is not just a complementary sector but a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a safety valve in the face of external shocks.
He added that the local market enjoys a high level of readiness and stability in the face of any potential repercussions. The national industry has demonstrated its ability to secure more than 60% of the local market's needs for basic goods during previous crises—starting from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to the logistical challenges linked to the closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb—without any significant disruptions. Its impact has not only ensured continuity but has also helped to establish the Jordanian consumer's confidence in the national product, which has become the preferred choice among a broad segment of citizens compared to imported products, after proving its high quality, effectiveness, and ability to meet market needs efficiently and stably. This reflects a qualitative shift in the behavior of the local consumer and cements the status of the national industry as a main and reliable source to meet local demand.
Additionally, Jordan enjoys logistical flexibility supported by a diversity of trade partners, and the ability to switch to alternative maritime and terrestrial transport routes, in addition to having the infrastructure and industrial capability to increase operational capacity when necessary. The relevant authorities, in coordination with the private sector, monitor market movements daily, ensuring the smooth flow of supplies, and preventing any monopolistic practices or potential price imbalances.
Al-Jaghbir pointed out the ongoing high-level coordination with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply and all relevant ministries and departments, to monitor the developments of the ongoing war, and to develop proactive scenarios to deal with any further escalation. He stated that ensuring food and pharmaceutical security for citizens is the utmost priority at this stage, highlighting that Jordan, with its wise leadership and armed forces and security agencies, is capable of overcoming these events.
Regarding Jordanian industrial exports, Al-Jaghbir clarified that the industrial chambers coordinate with all official entities to ensure the smooth flow of Jordanian goods to global markets. We follow any logistical obstacles that may occur at border crossings or ports and look for immediate alternatives and solutions to ensure that the national product reaches its final destinations without significant delays that could impact international export contracts.
Al-Jaghbir added that the continuation of confrontations threatens the security of navigation in vital passages, which may force global shipping companies to take longer and costlier alternative routes, directly affecting the timing of arrivals of products and raw materials, and we might see an increase in shipping insurance costs, "placing additional pressure on the costs of import and export."
Al-Jaghbir called for national efforts to be united and support for the local product to enhance self-reliance, assuring that the chambers of industry will remain permanently convened to serve the sector and overcome all obstacles arising from this regional crisis.
